Alloy to steel rims options

[Rumcajs]

Has anyone used both types wheels e.g. using OEM alloys for daily drives and steelies for rough/offroad trips.

I'm considering doing it this way, steelies to 16" rims and OEM allys 17". Is the change of wheel studs and or wheel nuts required when swapping the rims over? Or will be just the wheel nuts required?

Cheers

[Russ81]

Wheel studs are the same, depending on what rims you go will determine whether you need to change wheel nuts. I am running a set of steelies that use the factory nuts.

[heyhey]

I've had standard steel wheels, aftermarket steel wheels and aftermarket alloys and i'ld never buy steel wheels again. Nissan steel wheels are better than majority of the aftermarket steel wheels out, but they hold mud behind the face of the wheel and that causes it go out of balance. All aftermarket steel wheels I've tried have not been stronger than the Nissan ones.

I bought Procomp Alloys and they have been the strongest wheels, old only ever run alloys offroad and maybe steels onroad.

[Rumcajs]

My only "bugbear" with OEM setup is the size of those "allys" being 17", the prices for the rubber go astronomical comparing to 16" and also selection is not that great either. Hence I'm trying to weight my options what will be economical setup for me as I need 6 wheels for remote touring and sadly getting another Patrol OEM alloy 17" rim is like digging for gold in the middle of Sydney Harbour. Traveling in remote areas is also not friendly for 17" rims in regards to availability for spares. So what are my options without selling my first born?

It really chits to tears that to buy 1 rim + tyre from Nissan/tyre supplier is the same as buying the whole set + tyres from aftermarket joints when in reality I only need one extra wheel.

Cheers

[Russ81]

One added bonus with steelies is you can at least take to it with a hammer to repair whereas if you damage an alloy it's knackered

[heyhey]

Steel wheel bush repairs as a one over alloys is a load of shit, alloys can be repaired with a hammer enough to get a replacement. Steel wheels area cheap but replace them a couple times and you may as well have bought alloys. Seriously, don't bother with steel wheels.

Edited June 10, 2012 by heyhey

[Chris]

Why not just buy a single steel 17 as an extra spare for your remote travel? Just be sure that you also get the wheel nuts to suit it.

Would be a cheaper option than another full set of steel or another spare alloy. Keep it as the 2nd spare and then the tyre can always be rotated onto an alloy further down the track if you want to use it full time.

[BigGQWesty]

I'm a believer in steelies.. My sunnies are 21years old.. I repainted them 4 years ago but still in excellent condition..